Picture vs. Figure: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A picture is a visual representation created through painting, drawing, or photography, while a figure can refer to a numerical value, a person's shape, or a diagram in a text.
Key Differences
A picture is typically understood as an image or a visual representation of something, created through various means like painting, drawing, or photography. A figure, however, has multiple meanings; it can refer to a numerical value, a representation of data in a graph or chart, or even a person's bodily shape.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
In art and photography, a picture captures and conveys scenes, people, or emotions through visual mediums. Figures in this context, especially in artistic or literary works, can represent symbolic or literal characters or shapes within these pictures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
In literature and academic writing, a picture often refers to an illustrative or decorative image in a book, while a figure is more likely to be a diagram, graph, or chart that provides data or conceptual information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
The term picture is also used colloquially to refer to films or movies, capturing moving images that tell a story. Conversely, the figure is frequently used in mathematics and statistics to denote a numerical value or in geometry to describe a shape or form.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
When discussing photography or visual media, a picture is the final product, an image captured by a camera. A figure in this context could be the subject of the picture, especially if it is focusing on a person or a distinct shape.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A visual representation created through artistic means.
A numerical value, shape, or diagram.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Usage in Art
An image or scene portrayed.
A shape, character, or symbol within an artwork.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Context in Literature
An illustrative image in a book.
A diagram or chart providing information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Application in Photography
The image captured by a camera.
The subject, especially if focusing on a shape or person.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Picture and Figure Definitions
Picture
A picture is a visual representation created through painting, drawing, or photography.
The gallery displayed pictures of historical figures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Figure
Figure also refers to a person's bodily shape or outline.
The tailor took measurements to fit the dress to her figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Picture
Picture can also refer to an image or scene in a film or movie.
The picture won an award for its stunning cinematography.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Figure
As a verb, figure can mean to calculate or conclude something.
I figure we'll need about ten more chairs for the event.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Picture
As a verb, picture means to form a mental image of something.
Picture a place where you feel completely at peace.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A visual representation or image painted, drawn, photographed, or otherwise rendered on a flat surface.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A visible image, especially one on a flat surface or screen
The picture reflected in the lake.
Focused the picture on the movie screen.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A vivid or realistic verbal description
A Shakespearean picture of guilt.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A person or object bearing a marked resemblance to another
She's the picture of her mother.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A person, object, or scene that typifies or embodies an emotion, state of mind, or mood
Your face was the very picture of horror.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
The chief circumstances of an event or time; the situation
How does the new boyfriend figure in the picture?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
To make a visible representation of
In this photo, the mayor is pictured with several aides.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
To form a mental image of; visualize
I pictured my grandfather as a young man coming to America.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
To describe vividly in words; make a verbal picture of
Pictured their heroism in glowing language.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, by drawing, painting, printing, photography, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A paragon, a perfect example or specimen (of a category).
She's the very picture of health.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
An attractive sight.
The garden is a real picture at this time of year.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
Situation.
The employment picture for the older middle class is not so good.
You can't just look at the election, you've got to look at the big picture.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
(MLE) A sample of an illegal drug.
If you want me to buy your weed I’ll need a picture.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
The art of painting; representation by painting.
Any well-expressed image . . . either in picture or sculpture.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, produced by means of painting, drawing, engraving, photography, etc.; a representation in colors. By extension, a figure; a model.
Pictures and shapes are but secondary objects.
The young king's picture . . . in virgin wax.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
An image or resemblance; a representation, either to the eye or to the mind; that which, by its likeness, brings vividly to mind some other thing; as, a child is the picture of his father; the man is the picture of grief.
My eyes make pictures when they are shut.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
To draw or paint a resemblance of; to delineate; to represent; to form or present an ideal likeness of; to bring before the mind.
I have not seen him so pictured.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface;
They showed us the pictures of their wedding
A movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
Graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface;
A small painting by Picasso
He bought the painting as an investment
His pictures hang in the Louvre
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A clear and telling mental image;
He described his mental picture of his assailant
He had no clear picture of himself or his world
The events left a permanent impression in his mind
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A situation treated as an observable object;
The political picture is favorable
The religious scene in England has changed in the last century
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
Illustrations used to decorate or explain a text;
The dictionary had many pictures
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A form of entertainment that enacts a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement;
They went to a movie every Saturday night
The film was shot on location
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
The visible part of a television transmission;
They could still receive the sound but the picture was gone
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A graphic or vivid verbal description;
Too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures
The author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland
The pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
A typical example of some state or quality;
The very picture of a modern general
She was the picture of despair
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
Show in, or as in, a picture;
This scene depicts country life
The face of the child is rendered with much tenderness in this painting
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
In common parlance, a picture often means a photograph.
She took a picture of the sunset with her phone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Picture
Picture can be used to describe a mental image or concept.
He painted a vivid picture of the event in his narrative.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A figure can refer to a numerical value or statistic.
The report included several figures on population growth.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Figure
In art, figure often denotes a human or animal form.
The sculpture's figure was remarkably lifelike.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Figure
Figure can mean a diagram or illustration, especially in technical or academic texts.
Refer to figure 3 for a breakdown of the process.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a picture be digital?
Yes, pictures include both traditional and digital images.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is a figure always numerical?
No, figure can also mean a diagram, a person's shape, or an important person.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What is the role of figures in academic texts?
Figures in academic texts provide visual representations of data or concepts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What types of pictures are there?
Pictures can be photographs, paintings, drawings, or digital images.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are figures important in math?
Yes, figures such as graphs and charts are important in math for visualizing data.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What does figure mean?
Figure can refer to a numerical value, a person's shape, or a diagram in a text.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can figure refer to a person?
Yes, it can refer to a person's body shape or an important individual.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are pictures used in advertising?
Yes, pictures are a key element in advertising to create visual appeal.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What's the difference between a picture and a painting?
A painting is a type of picture created with paint, while pictures can be made with various mediums.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What is a picture?
A picture is a visual representation created through artistic methods like drawing or photography.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What is a figure caption?
A figure caption is a brief explanation or description of a figure in a document.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What's a picture frame?
A picture frame is a decorative edging for a picture, like a photograph or painting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How is a picture used in storytelling?
Pictures are used to visually narrate stories or convey emotions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can pictures be animated?
Yes, pictures can be animated, especially in digital formats.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is photography considered picture making?
Yes, photography is a form of picture making.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can figures be misleading?
Yes, figures can be misleading if not accurately represented or understood.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How do I cite a picture in academic work?
Pictures are cited by providing the source, creator, and date, among other details.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How are figures used in presentations?
Figures in presentations help illustrate and support points being made.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can figures be three-dimensional?
Yes, figures like models or sculptures can be three-dimensional.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What does "figure out" mean?
"Figure out" means to understand or solve something.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
